‘Days of Our Lives’ News: Deidre Hall Celebrates 40 Years as Dr. Marlena Evans

“Days of Our Lives” Deidre Hall has reason to celebrate! The actress has portrayed Dr. Marlena Evans on “DOOL” for 40 years.

Dr. Marlena Evans came to Salem when Mickey Horton [John Clarke] was institutionalized at Bayview Sanitarium. It wasn’t long before the psychiatrist’s identity was stolen by her twin sister Samantha, the good doctor was drugged and became a resident of the sanitarium herself. Thankfully, the love of Marlena’s life – at the time – Don Craig [Jed Allen] noticed that there were some very drastic changes to Marlena’s personality. Marlena was freed, Samantha was arrested – and shipped off to an asylum.

Life with Don was good until their child died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Don held Marlena responsible. The couple divorced – and that began a very dark period in the life of Marlena Evans.

Marlena has possessed by the devil – not once, but twice. Drugged by Tony DiMera [Thaao Penghlis] – after Tony drugged Marlena she thought she was the Salem Stalker. Marlena had it out for Stefano DiMera [Joseph Mascolo]. Marlena shot him and then later injected Stefano with a drug that put him in a catatonic state – Stefano returned the favor but saved her before it was too late.

Deidre Hall has garnered three Soap Opera Digest Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress – 1984, 1985 and 1995. Though nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Lead Actress category – 1980, 1984 and 1985 – she has never taken the golden statuette home.

Over the years Deidre has stepped away from “DAYS” to take on other projects. In 1986 until 1988 she starred as Jesse Witherspoon on the family drama “Our House.” Deidre made a dramatic return to “Days of Our Lives” in 1991 after a brutal round of contract negotiations.

After returning to the NBC daytime drama in 1991 Deidre remained on contract until 2009 when she was abruptly terminated by dictated budget cuts. In 2011 Dr. Marlena Evans returned to Salem – and Deidre Hall has been there ever since. In 2014 Hall received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Congratulations to Deidre Hall on a phenomenal accomplishment! The actress joins the small circle of actresses who have withstood the test of time. Susan Lucci [Erica Kane, “All My Children] and Erika Slezak [Victoria Lord, “One Life to Live] are two of the iconic leading ladies of soap operas – just two we can think of! – who have reached the 40-year mark on daytime. Deidre is in very good company!

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